FACTS

Join Stephen Boyce and Pat May on FACTS as we continue our series on the Seven Ecumenical Councils with a deep dive into the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) — the largest and one of the most influential councils in the history of the Christian Church. With over 520 bishops in attendance, Chalcedon delivered the definitive teaching on the two natures of Christ, reversed the chaos of the Robber Council of 449, and shaped the theological world of Christianity for centuries.In this episode, we break down: • The background and controversies leading up to Chalcedon • Eutyches, Flavian, Dioscorus, and the fallout from the Latrocinium • Pope Leo’s Tome and its role in defining orthodox Christology • The Chalcedonian Definition: fully God, fully man. • Canon 28 and the Constantinople–Rome tension • The rise of the Oriental Orthodox Churches (Coptic, Syriac, Armenian) • Why Chalcedon still matters for Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants todayWhether you’re studying church history, Christology, or exploring the roots of Christian doctrine, this episode provides a clear and accessible guide to one of the most important events in the ancient Church.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 ⸻#CouncilOfChalcedon #SevenEcumenicalCouncils #ChalcedonianDefinition #ChurchHistory #Christology #PopeLeo #TomeOfLeo #Eutyches #Dioscorus #CopticOrthodox #OrientalOrthodox #Patristics #EarlyChurch #ChristianTheology #FACTSPodcast #StephenBoyce

In this episode of The FACTS Podcast, Stephen Boyce breaks down the Vatican’s newest doctrinal note, Mater Populi Fidelis, issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in November 2025. This document reaffirms Christ as the sole Mediator while clarifying the Church’s language about Mary’s cooperation in redemption and her unique maternal role in the life of the Church.We examine why the Vatican discourages titles such as Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix of All Graces, how this statement fits into historic Marian teaching, and what it means for theology, devotion, and ecumenical dialogue going forward.Article: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20251104_mater-populi-fidelis_en.html#FACTSPodcast #StephenBoyce #MaterPopuliFidelis #VaticanDocument #MarianDoctrine #Mariology #CatholicTeaching #MaryAndSalvation #VaticanClarification #DoctrinalNote #CatholicTheology #MaryMotherOfGod

Many modern Christians insist, “We don’t have priests — only pastors.” But both Scripture and the early Church tell a different story. In this episode, Dr. Stephen Boyce of The FACTS Podcast uncovers how the Bible and the earliest Christian writings describe bishops, presbyters, and deacons as the new Temple order — high priests, priests, and Levites serving Christ, our Great High Priest.From the Book of Hebrews to 1 Peter, Revelation, the Didache, and 1 Clement, we see a consistent pattern: the Church understood her ministers as participating in Christ’s priesthood, not replacing it. Discover how the first Christians viewed the Eucharist as a true offering, how bishops inherited the role of high priest, and why denying the priesthood of pastors ignores both biblical typology and apostolic history.If you’ve ever heard someone say “we don’t have priests,” this episode will show why Scripture and history disagree — and why reclaiming the language of priesthood restores the Church’s true identity as a kingdom of priests.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #StephenBoyce  #FACTSPodcast  #ChristianHistory  #BiblicalPriesthood  #EarlyChurch  #Hebrews  #1Peter  #Revelation  #Didache  #1Clement  #KingdomOfPriests  #ApostolicSuccession  #Catholic  #Anglican  #Patristics  #ChurchFathers

Join Dr. Stephen Boyce and Pat May on the FACTS Podcast as they unpack one of the most defining moments in Christian history—the Council of Ephesus (431 AD). This historic gathering of bishops from across the early Church settled the question: Who is Jesus Christ, and why is Mary called the “Mother of God”?Discover the theological debates, political drama, and spiritual insights behind the Third Ecumenical Council, where the Church declared that the one born of Mary is truly God made flesh.#ChristianHistory #CouncilofEphesus #Theotokos #CyrilofAlexandria #Nestorius #EarlyChurch #TheFACTSPodcast #StephenBoyce

What exactly is the Anglican Ordinariate — and should Anglicans join it?In this episode of The FACTS Podcast, Stephen Boyce explores one of the most fascinating developments in modern Christianity: Pope Benedict XVI’s creation of the Ordinariate, a home for Anglicans entering full communion with the Catholic Church while preserving the beauty of their own liturgical and spiritual heritage.We’ll unpack what the Ordinariate is, why it was founded, how it functions today, and the real questions Anglicans face when discerning whether to remain in the Communion or cross the Tiber.Whether you’re an Anglican curious about Catholic unity, a Catholic intrigued by Anglican tradition, or simply someone passionate about church history and Christian unity—this episode is for you.👉 Subscribe, share, and join the conversation as we ask:What does unity look like without losing identity?If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #AnglicanOrdinariate #PopeBenedictXVI #AnglicanorumCoetibus #AngloCatholic #AnglicanPatrimony #OrdinariateOfTheChairOfStPeter #OurLadyOfWalsingham #OurLadyOfTheSouthernCross #AnglicanismAndCatholicism #JoiningTheCatholicChurch #AnglicanLiturgy #AnglicanCatholicUnity #AnglicanTradition #Ecumenism #ChristianUnity #FACTSPodcast #StephenBoyce

In this episode of The FACTS Podcast, we explore one of the most shocking and macabre events in Church history—the Cadaver Synod. In 897 AD, Pope Stephen VI ordered the corpse of his predecessor, Pope Formosus, to be exhumed, dressed in papal vestments, and placed on trial for crimes against the Church.Why did this happen? What political and theological tensions led to such a grotesque spectacle? And what does the Cadaver Synod reveal about the state of the papacy in the late 9th century?Join Dr. Stephen Boyce as he unpacks the story behind the trial of a dead pope, the chaos of the post-Carolingian Church, and the aftermath that reshaped medieval Rome.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #CadaverSynod #ChurchHistory #PapalHistory #TheFACTSPodcast #PopeFormosus #MedievalChurch #DarkAges #ChristianHistory #StephenBoyce #CatholicHistory

In this episode of FACTS, Stephen Boyce and Pat May unpack the Second Ecumenical Council—Constantinople 381, the gathering that completed the Nicene Creed and reshaped the map of early Christianity. Convened by Emperor Theodosius I, this council not only reaffirmed the divinity of Christ but boldly confessed the Holy Spirit as Lord and Giver of Life, closing the door on Arianism and Macedonian heresies once and for all.Join us as we trace the intense theological debates, the tragic death of Meletius of Antioch, Gregory of Nazianzus’ resignation, and the dramatic rise of Constantinople as “New Rome.” We’ll explore how these events deepened East–West tensions, redefined Church hierarchy, and left an enduring mark on both Orthodox and Catholic tradition.If you’ve ever wondered how the Creed we recite today took its final shape—or why Constantinople became the new center of gravity for the Eastern Church—this episode is a must-listen.Topics include:The fall of Arian influence and the enforcement of Nicene orthodoxyMeletius of Antioch’s death and the Antiochene schismGregory of Nazianzus’ presidency and resignationThe rise of Nectarius and the making of “New Rome”Why Rome rejected Canon 3—and how Chalcedon later affirmed the councilIf you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #ChurchHistory #EcumenicalCouncils #NiceneCreed #TheologyPodcast

In this first episode of our new series, The Seven Ecumenical Councils, Stephen Boyce and Pat May explore the Council of Nicaea (325), the landmark gathering that shaped the foundation of Christian orthodoxy. We’ll discuss the historical context, the Arian controversy, the role of Constantine, and how the Nicene Creed became a defining statement of faith for the Church. Join us as we trace the debates, decisions, and lasting legacy of the first ecumenical council.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #CouncilOfNicaea #EcumenicalCouncils #ChurchHistory #ChristianTheology

Are you thinking about leaving your current denomination to become Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican? Before you make that move, there are serious questions you need to wrestle with. In this episode of FACTS, Stephen Boyce walks through five essential questions every believer should ask before switching church traditions. From understanding doctrine beyond surface-level aesthetics, to wrestling with the sacraments, spiritual authority, family impact, and the dangers of rushing, this conversation will help you slow down, think deeply, and discern wisely.Whether you’re curious, struggling, or seriously considering a change, this episode will ground you in both Scripture and church history, reminding us that the faith we confess must be more than a reaction—it must be a conviction.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations on Scripture, Church history, and the faith once delivered to the saints.#ChurchHistory #CatholicConvert #OrthodoxConvert #AnglicanConvert #ChristianPodcast #ProtestantToCatholic #ProtestantToOrthodox #ProtestantToAnglican #FaithJourney #DenominationSwitch #ApostolicFaith #FACTSPodcast #StephenBoyce

Dr. Stephen Boyce and Pat May dive into the reality of spiritual warfare and the angelic battles surrounding us, especially within the sacred mystery of the Mass. Drawing on Scripture, Church tradition, and the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, we explore how the liturgy is not only worship but also a place where heavenly and spiritual realities converge.This episode unpacks the unseen conflict between the powers of darkness and the hosts of heaven, reminding us that Christians are called to stand firm in prayer, faith, and vigilance. Join us as we reflect on the role of St. Michael, the spiritual meaning of the Mass, and the hope we have in Christ’s victory.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations on Scripture, Church history, and the faith once delivered to the saints.#StMichael #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianPodcast #WeAreAtWar #Mass #Liturgy #AngelicHosts #MichaelTheArchangel #ChristianFaith #Catholic #Orthodox #Anglican #Prayer #FaithAndTradition #TheFACTSPodcast #StephenBoyce #PatMay